Johannesburg is preparing for a landmark moment in world golf as LIV Golf arrives on African soil for the first time. From 19–22 March the league’s stars will gather at The Club at Steyn City for the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa event, a tournament expected to attract huge crowds and inject fresh energy into the sport in the region.
With just hours remaining before the opening tee shot, teams have been putting the finishing touches on their preparations while speaking to media about the significance of the moment. For home side Southern Guards GC, the week represents more than just another tournament on the schedule. It is a rare opportunity to showcase South African golf on the global stage.
LIV Golf South Africa arrives at Steyn City
Southern Guards team member Charl Schwartzel believes the tournament will offer a unique spectacle for South African fans, stating:
“This week I think we will be looking at the team score more than we normally do. There has never been a golf event in South Africa set up like this. It is really amazing and makes you very proud. When LIV started we were told what it could become and now you are seeing it come to life.”
The Club at Steyn City will host a 72-hole stroke play contest with no cut on a demanding par-71 course stretching 7,557 yards. A $20 million individual purse will be on offer with $4 million going to the champion, while the team competition will award $3 million to the winning quartet.
Among the early favourites are Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann, while South Africa’s own Dean Burmester arrives with hopes of delivering a home triumph.
Home Pride Drives Southern Guards GC
The Southern Guards GC also enter their home event on a strong footing off the course, having recently secured a significant partnership ahead of their LIV Golf South Africa debut. The agreement reflects growing commercial confidence in the team following their rebrand and reinforces their position as a flagship presence for South African golf on the global stage.
Alongside strengthening the team’s profile, the partnership aligns with broader ambitions to grow the game locally and support community-driven initiatives tied to the squad’s identity and development programmes.
The team were at the centre of attention during the pre-tournament media sessions, reflecting on the pride of bringing the league to their home country.
Oosthuizen relishes chance to represent South Africa
Team captain Louis Oosthuizen said:
“We were extremely proud walking through here yesterday. Once everyone gets through the gates they are going to see what this event is really about. The bigger picture for me is that we enjoy this week and show everyone our beautiful country. That is our main goal.”
When asked whether individual success or team glory would matter more by Sunday evening, Oosthuizen was clear about where his priorities lie:
“Being part of a team with three good friends is more important than the individual for me.”
The Southern Guards lineup of Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester and Branden Grace also carry the hopes of the home crowd. Their rivalry with Australia’s Ripper GC has already become one of the more compelling storylines in the league.
LIV Golf South Africa rivalry with Ripper GC
Burmester commented:
“Being part of that playoff in Adelaide was one of the best things I have ever done in the game of golf. Now we get the opportunity to do it at home and represent South Africa in that kind of team environment. That is really special. We know the crowds will get behind us.”
Rahm and Legion XIII Ready for the Challenge at LIV Golf South Africa
Jon Rahm arrives in Johannesburg among the tournament favourites and is eager to experience the atmosphere that South African fans will bring to the event:
“I am very happy to be here and very convinced it is going to be a really fun tournament. My only regret is that I do not have time to stay afterwards and enjoy South Africa a little bit more. I am really looking forward to what the South African crowd is going to be like on the weekend.”
McKibbin reflects on playing conditions in South Africa
Rahm’s teammate Tom McKibbin has previous experience competing in the country and believes simplicity is the key to handling the conditions.
McKibbin stated:
“I have had very good weeks playing golf here. I have also had very bad weeks playing golf here. As I played more I almost overcomplicated it a little bit with the altitude. The last couple of times I have been here I went back to making it a little bit simpler.”
Growing the Game Beyond the Fairways
The impact of the event has already extended beyond the course. In the days leading up to the tournament, Southern Guards players hosted a youth clinic at Steyn City for children from the nearby Diepsloot community.
LIV Golf South Africa community initiatives
The initiative forms part of the Southern Guards GC Academy Development Programme and was delivered alongside LIV Golf, the Steyn City Foundation and Element Golf Academy. Young participants received putting lessons, took part in skills challenges and spent time with some of the country’s most decorated golfers.
The programme is part of a 12-month effort that blends golf development with mentorship and life skills aimed at opening doors for young people in underserved communities.
Throughout tournament week several additional initiatives will take place. More than 1,000 youth golfers from schools across Gauteng will attend the opening day, while a dedicated fan village in Diepsloot will broadcast the tournament live for local residents.
Free golf lessons and fan activities will also be available at the World of Golf facility in Woodmead, offering newcomers a chance to experience the sport first-hand.
Ripper GC Confident as Rivalry Builds
League leaders Ripper GC arrive in strong form and are determined to maintain their early-season momentum. Captain Cameron Smith did not shy away from the friendly rivalry that has developed with the South African side, saying:
“We are all really determined to keep the momentum going. At the moment we are all playing really good golf and feel confident. I love the South African guys but I would like nothing more than for us to whip them this week.”
Rising talent shaping the LIV Golf season
Young Australian Elvis Smylie believes the early part of the season has already produced compelling storylines, adding:
“Every week this season has had an amazing story attached to it. It shows how strong this league really is. We have a lot of great young talent in the league and it is equally valuable to learn from the more experienced guys out there.”
DeChambeau Reflects on Singapore Win and Team Golf’s Future
Fresh off his victory in Singapore, Bryson DeChambeau arrives in Johannesburg with momentum after delivering a composed final-round performance to force his way into a playoff, where he held his nerve to clinch the individual title. His ability to execute under pressure once again underlined his status as one of LIV Golf’s most dangerous competitors heading into the week.
DeChambeau spoke about the growing sense of respect among the competing teams:
“I think we all have a great respect for each other whether it is the Rippers or Southern Guards or Crushers or 4Aces. We all have a great respect for each other but we all want to beat each other. I think LIV Golf is bringing a great balance to the game.”
LIV Golf South Africa highlights growth of team format
He also believes the league’s emphasis on teams could shape the future direction of the sport, adding:
“I do think there is an opportunity in the future for team golf to be at the forefront of golf taking a leaf out of sports like football where team rivalries and storylines run so deep. There is something great to consider in how team sports create storylines and entertainment that individual sports do not necessarily do.”
Festival Atmosphere Expected at Steyn City
Fans attending the tournament will also find plenty of energy around the course. The Lion’s Den on the seventeenth hole is set to become the centre of celebration, with dedicated viewing areas and hospitality spaces such as Pride’s Nest, Eagle’s View and the Savanna Suite offering premium vantage points.
LIV Golf South Africa broadcast and viewing details
Television coverage in the United States will air on Fox Sports, while viewers in the United Kingdom can watch all four rounds on TNT. Live coverage will begin 30 minutes before the scheduled tee times.
Phil Mickelson is also expected to make his first appearance of the season after missing the opening four events for personal reasons.
As the league touches down in Africa for the first time, anticipation is building that Steyn City could deliver one of the most memorable stops on the LIV calendar. By Sunday evening the winner will have claimed a $4 million prize and perhaps etched their name into a piece of golfing history.
Related: LIV Golf Expands the Digital Frontier With New Fantasy Game and LIV X Play Hub
Steyn City LIV Golf Debut – Key Details
- LIV Golf South Africa will be staged at The Club at Steyn City in Johannesburg from 19–22 March.
- The tournament features a $20 million individual purse with $4 million for the winner.
- South Africa’s Southern Guards GC will lead the home challenge in front of expected large crowds.
